CONTROVERSIAL plans to put wind farms on Lancashire moorlands look set to be debated in the Commons.

Ministers have hinted that they may allow a special energy policy debate which will examine the question of the value of huge groups of windmills designed to produce electricity.

And the debate may also look at the general issue of Cemfuel.

Already Pendle MP Gordon Prentice has secured a special half hour debate on Wednesday about the burning of the controversial fuel at Clitheroe's Castle Cement.

He learned of his success in winning the debate after Ribble Valley MP Nigel Evans asked for the energy debate.

The Tory backbencher told Leader of the Commons Tony Newton he wanted a debate because: "I have two issues in mind, the first of which is the siting of windmills. They are unbelievably ugly and we must be extremely careful about where they are sited.

"The second issue is the burning of secondary fuels. Castle Cement in my constituency is currently burning a fuel called Cemfuel and there is great cause for concern in my constituency about that." Mr Evans was backed by former Tory Minister and Salisbury MP Robert Key and Mr Newton said he would seek to find time for a debate and bring their concern to the attention of Environment Secretary John Gummer.

Mr Evans is seeking a meeting with Environment Secretary John Gummer on the issue and Mr Prentice will tackle an environment minister on Cemfuel in the Commons on Wednesday.

He is alarmed that a promised government decision on whether to allow the permanent burning of the fuel had now been delayed for nine months.

The fuel is currently being burned on a temporary licence.

Mr Prentice said he was concerned about smoke and fumes from the cement kiln affecting his constituency.

Mr Prentice said he would demand a detailed response from the government and an explanation for the "unprecedented" delay in reaching a decision.

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